Wildfires raging in California have resulted in the destruction of several multimillion-dollar homes, according to reports. Thousands of residents have been evacuated, and many are facing power outages.
At least six luxury properties have been engulfed as the fires spread rapidly along the southern coast near Los Angeles. Hundreds of acres have burned south of California’s most populous city, which is also the second largest in the United States after New York.
Images have emerged showing homes engulfed in flames as the blazes extend across the surrounding hills. Firefighters have deployed helicopters to combat the flames.
Due to strong winds, low humidity, and temperatures soaring up to 38 °C, the U.S. National Weather Service issued a warning on Friday for a “high risk of major fires and rapid spread” around Los Angeles. Despite the danger, some residents have chosen to remain in their homes.
In addition to the fire in Orange County, firefighters are battling blazes near Malibu, north of Los Angeles, and close to a military base.
To prevent the outbreak of additional fires, utility companies have shut down certain power lines in Southern California, leaving tens of thousands without electricity.
Meteorologists have warned that conditions favorable for fires are expected to persist throughout the weekend.
